When The Mountains Call When The Mountains Call
STORIES AND ADVENTURES THROUGH TIME
FROM VOLUNTEER TO LEADER: LINDSEY’S PASSIONATE PATH TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
My connection with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association began when I was just 10 years old, joining my dad on one of the many trail-building days in the ‘90s for the then still-unfinished Tahoe Rim Trail. Almost two decades and many life experiences later, I found myself back in Tahoe, caring for my late grandmother, and volunteering again with the TRTA—this time as an AmeriCorps member for two years. Instead of a fatherdaughter day on the trail, I was now overseeing volunteer recruitment, organizing trail workdays and Backcountry Camps, and ensuring that sign-in sheets and liability waivers were in order—even for the occasional 10-year-old girl swamping with her dad. Starting in 2011, my AmeriCorps experience and involvement with the TRTA opened what felt like an alternate universe of career possibilities. I’ve always been passionate about wild spaces, but the chance to turn that passion into a career felt like something only available to kids with wealthy parents. Trail building became my first love and gateway into this new world. Since those early days of swinging a pick mattock or lugging a rock bar, I’ve come to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work—the planning, the coordination, the grants won and lost, and the volunteer thank-you cards sent.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working in every department of this small yet spectacular organization. I also led the TRTA’s guided programs and backcountry skills courses with an inspiring group of guides and trail angels, who share a deep passion for outdoor education and community-building. Like many other nonprofits, the TRTA would be a shell of its current self without our incredible volunteers. With over 300 volunteers each year, their contributions extend beyond trail work to educational programs, community outreach, and even organizational governance. Central to my role is fostering this invaluable volunteer community and ensuring they feel appreciated for their pivotal role within our organization. Natural and wild spaces need protection, and a life spent outdoors and in service of the outdoors gives more than it takes. I believe that a simple 24” to 36” trail can create a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, and that it holds the key to preserving these spaces while enabling respectful user access. The Tahoe Rim Trail is not just a breathtaking recreational resource; it’s a symbol of conservation, community, and stewardship. It’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated and passionate team, and I am eager to use my skills and experiences to advance TRTA’s mission. Whether it’s enhancing our trail infrastructure, fostering multi-generational volunteer engagement, or promoting inclusivity and excellence within our community, my goal as Executive Director is to secure the enduring legacy and impact of the TRTA for future generations.
I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of this role with integrity, passion, and diligence. Thank you again, and I look forward to working closely with each of you and the entire Tahoe Rim Trail community to ensure a bright and sustainable future for this iconic trail.
With gratitude, Lindsey Schultz
Tahoe Rim
Executive Director
Lindsey Schultz
Development Director
Veronica Palmer
Communications Director
Anthony Porter
Trail Operations Director
Ryan Kuehn
Finance & Administration Manager
Judi Van Fleet
Outreach Manager
Delaney Diamond
Development Manager
Brooke Clayton
Guided Programs Manager
Angelique Carl
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Justin Knowles
Executive Vice President Tricia Tong
Treasurer Larry Stites
Trail Ops Chair Jim Crompton
Trail Use Chair Sharell Katibah
Secretary Rebecca Cremeen
Board Members
Gina Barth, Rishi Batra, Amy Cornelius, Walid Khiari, John McCall, Theresa Papandrea, Faye Provenza, & Robin Soran
THE DIRT
Playing Frogger at Big Meadow 4
THE COMPASS
Why I Oughta…Practice
“I’m cowboy camping. I’ve got a tarp, which is about 5.5 ounces, and I never used it on this last trip, never even put it up...You lay there and watch the stars come out, and it’s just glorious.”
—Ten Mile Tim, page 10
FROM THE BOARD
ICrew Leader, Guide, Ambassador, Nature Steward View
n a recent TRTA executive session, the board voted unanimously to elevate Lindsey to be the permanent Executive Director of the TRTA (from the Interim Executive Director). Lindsey is a proven leader with significant experience, understands the organization & the trail, and serves as a recognized leader in the Tahoe Basin. She has exemplified her leadership this summer by leading the organization and having many new staff members on board. We are so fortunate to have such an experienced resource within the TRTA to lead the organization into this next phase.
As a board, we are excited for the board to more closely partner with the staff and support Lindsey in this journey. The unanimous board vote signals our full support of her leadership, and we couldn’t be prouder.
It takes a village to make the TRTA successful. Thank you for all your continued efforts to help the organization enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.
Congratulations Lindsey! We look forward to seeing you all on the trail.
Cheers, Justin Knowles TRTA Board President
The Dirt On Trail Operations
RPlaying Frogger at Big Meadow
by Ryan Kuehn Trail Ops Director
ecently, a participant from our Youth Backpacking program recounted their trip out to Dardanelles Lake using the TRT: “Next, we crossed the 89 highway, the most dangerous part of the trip, and started the rocky quarter mile ascent to Big Meadow.”
If that quote resonates with you from your own experience of crossing Highway 89, the TRTA has heard you.
Highway 89 is a major artery flowing into Tahoe, and it navigates to many places both in the mountains and down into the valley. Since establishing the Big Meadow Trailhead, cars are faster, more numerous, and consequentially making those mountain turns a bit more hazardous for horseback riders, bicyclists, and trekkers.
The TRT loop was completed in 2001, a 20year undertaking that was completed primarily with the help of dedicated volunteer trail builders. The Big Meadow Trailhead was the first TRT trailhead to be established in this long legacy. Now, with the trail completed, one might think that the need for trail builders would be over, all those volunteers who spent hours moving soil and rocks could now simply enjoy hiking with snacks and water in their packs, no longer having to carry heavy tools or hardhats. Fortunately, as many of our volunteers have found out over the years, once you’ve built a trail, you are hooked, and you begin looking for more opportunities to work on trails.
The term “trail maintenance” encompasses all the duties that trails require such as logging out fallen trees, brushing a corridor and cleaning drains, and a multitude of other tasks. Volunteers and TRTA workers alike partake in these methods, all while adhering to widely accepted maintenance standards. Many trail projects can keep trail workers busy
for weeks or even months (our own trail crews spent 4 weeks in Desolation Wilderness this summer logging out over 70 trees with crosscut saws). Caring for pre-existing trails is the majority of what our trail crews do along the TRT every summer, but what excites our trail worker more than anything is the possibility of constructing new trails. On a completed loop such as the TRT, those opportunities are slim but still available. The TRTA’s Segment Coordinators hike their segment of trail each year, looking for ways to improve on what currently exists. These improvements can be
as simple as “if we reroute this 200 feet of trail, we will provide a new view of Lake Tahoe to enhance the user experience.” Then, there are the complex projects such as “this section is falling apart and no longer sustainable and a new reroute will require months of work.”
After a year and a half of planning, TRTA broke ground on the Big Meadow Highway Crossing project in early September, building a new section of trail that will relocate where the TRT crosses Highway 89.
Each workday morning, volunteers meet TRTA crew leaders at the Big Meadow Trailhead
and begin hiking to the worksite. Instead of heading towards the current crossing, they hike to where the new section of trail crosses the road, consistently commenting “Wow, yeah this is so much better.”
Not only is the crossing portion of the trail improved, but the new section of trail will remove the steep switchbacks leading to Big Meadow, instead following the contour of the hillside. This new trail provides challenging trail building for our crews. Not only is the terrain extremely steep, requiring the construction of hundreds of feet of stone retaining wall, but
crews also must deal with the highway being below the worksite, requiring extreme caution and technical rigging to safely construct the various stone retaining walls that will support the trail. Over the past summer, our crews and new trail work volunteers have put their skills to the test, nearly completing the trail. The TRTA continued to work on the Big Meadow Highway Crossing until the cold weather and snow arrived. Once spring 2025 rolls around, the TRTA will host more trail work days to complete the final sections of the new trail before opening it up to the public.
The job of a trail worker is never finished. Each winter, snow and wind play their part to create work for the new trail season. Our passionate volunteers diligently strive to make the trail accessible and scenic for those people seeking adventure. Meanwhile, the TRTA staff work year-round to manage these efforts, educate, and provide volunteer opportunities to give people a chance to add their efforts to this historic trail. Who knows, in a few short months, you can be the volunteer to put the final touch on the new Big Meadow trail.
Slinging a griphoist to slowly lower boulders into place. Volunteer Trail Leaders and Trail Crew Staff Working to clear new trail.
TRTA Trail Crew fitting rocks into place to create the new Horse Meadow Reroute.
Volunteer Crew Leaders moving boulders at the Big Meadow Reroute.
THE COMPASS
Why I Oughta…Practice Leave No Trace
During a very busy summer at the TRTA, I was excited to take a quick escape to do a solo weekend camping trip with my dog Griff. We trekked into the wilderness to a peaceful and exceedingly gorgeous, ‘close enough but not too close to home’ alpine lake. It was a chance to unplug and have some space from the outside world to reconnect with myself in a quiet natural amphitheater. Destination: serenity. The hike to the lake was lovely with perfect weather and a happy trail dog leading the way. I was thrilled to find a private, quiet campsite far enough away from the water’s edge and other parties. As I’m setting up camp and getting moved in, I have that thought that anyone with a free-roaming dog or toddler knows: It’s been quiet for a little too long. Where is that creature?
by Angelique Carl Guided Programs Manager
I call for my dog and hear the jingle of a collar, but he doesn’t come back. As I walk over to see what he’s up to, my next burst of inner dialogue, which others may also relate to, bubbles into my mind: ...What is in your mouth?!? Oh no… not that… What I found in my dog’s mouth is one of the most disgusting things to find in the backcountry. Some well-intentioned but misinformed previous camper had done their best job at disguising their human waste with a neat pile of small rocks about 15 feet from the water’s edge, and very near the obvious campsite. I was not impressed by their efforts, as I attempted to remove the human tootsie roll from my dog’s mouth.
the most responsible recreators they can be. If you know what it is like to feel the “I have a lot to learn” side of learning new skills, then keep an extra dose of patience when you are out and about with lessexperienced hiking buddies. We all started somewhere.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, you might find yourself wondering, ‘Why so many rules and expectations?’ But these guidelines, especially the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, hold the key to preserving the wild places we love. They help us leave our natural spaces even better than we find them. Sure, it might seem easier to set up a new campsite wherever we please, but is that really the best path forward for our shared outdoor spaces? LNT is like a toolkit, guiding us to enjoy nature responsibly so that its beauty remains for all to discover. Dive into the world of LNT at www.lnt.org, and see how you can make a difference.
Each LNT recommendation is designed not only to protect the land but also to foster a culture of respect and consideration for the next traveler to tread the same trail. Below are the top 3 themes that I have pulled from the 7 LNT principles, and why they matter.
1. Think Ahead
It’s about being proactive, about anticipating what we will need to bring with us to be successful in our endeavors, and which will ultimately enhance our enjoyment of the experience. Some questions to ask yourself…. What is the weather forecast before, during, and after my outing? What time does the sun set? Do I have enough food, water, and clothing to be comfortable if conditions change? Do I know how to get back where I started, and did I tell my plan to someone else in case things go sideways?
2. Be Respectful
It is hard not to get mad at the misinformed choices that new hikers make, especially if you have done your due diligence and you can recite the 7 Leave No Trace Principles in order. You may even have a Backpacking Check List ready to go at a moment’s notice or have five destinations on your hiking bucket list and…etcetera. But not everyone has that level of knowledge or preparedness. It is our job as responsible recreators to leave places better than we find them and sometimes that means educating our network, and unfortunately might mean digging a cathole to bury someone else’s waste.
On a different hiking trip this summer, I was wandering through the beautiful Desolation Wilderness, sad to be heading back to the car after a wonderful restorative day. As I’m taking in the lasts view of Susie Lake, two hikers come up the hill behind me and start discussing their strategy to find camp for the night. They were remarking to each other how many established campsites were too close to the trail and how they really ought to be 200 feet from both the trail and the lake shore, but if they had to choose, it’s better to be away from the water. It warmed my heart to hear this level of discussion between two old friends. It was such a contrast to my prior experience but ultimately, these are all folks with a similar motivation to get outside and enjoy themselves in nature, and they are doing their best to meet that goal. The reality is, some people just haven’t learned all the ropes yet to be
One thing that comforts me is that the weight of the LNT world does not rest on my shoulders. Rather, this is a responsibility we all share. Instead of viewing these rules as restrictions, we can see them as a means of enhancing our enjoyment and connection to the great outdoors. Whether it is as simple as choosing the most ethical campsite, or as uncomfortable as pulling human feces from a canine’s mouth, we all have our part to play in preserving the Tahoe experience for everyone.
Really, this theme could be the entire summary of the Leave No Trace ethos for moving through natural places. Be respectful. It’s simple! Right? Consider not only your personal objectives, but the animals who live on the land, the plants who spend their lives rooted in one spot, your human neighbors at the next campsite over. Take steps to prevent unnecessary soil erosion by only traveling on established trails and be kind to the other people around you who are also out enjoying themselves.
3. Take Responsibility
This may look different in practice for each person. For me, it might mean I carry an extra trash bag and I pick up litter along the way. For someone else, it may be choosing not to have a campfire at a campsite even though there is a fire ring there (did you know campfires are only allowed in designated metal fire rings in the Tahoe Basin??). Or it might mean educating your friends to not wash their dishes with soapy water in the beautiful lake, and instead bring water 200 feet onto land to let the soil filter out the biodegradable soap. It might mean removing unnecessary rock piles or cairns from a river’s edge, even if they look pretty. There are so many ways this can show up. By using our social influence to share this knowledge with others (even by being a good example on our own adventures), we inspire those around us to adopt similar habits. Friends and family who see our commitment to responsible recreation may feel encouraged to embrace these practices as well.
Above: Toothpaste spit onto rocks directly next to the lake. Below: A surface-level human waste deposit.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
OF TRTA TRAIL CREW
Our 2024 work crew member, Helena Guglielmino recounts what a typical day looks like as she maintains the Tahoe Rim Trail alongside her fellow crew members, working in Desolation Wilderness during a tree-clearing expedition.
Time to wake up! It’s cold, but my sleeping bag is comforting especially compared to the sweat stained uniform I pull on. It’s our third day in the backcountry, stationed at Middle Velma Lake in Desolation Wilderness. The idea of breakfast lures me out to join my three teammates. My body is stiff from yesterday, we cleared dozens of fallen trees that obstruct the trail. So many trees cleared, and much more yet to go. We all stretch (and groan) while making a plan for the day: Walk as far north as we can on the shared Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim Trails, cutting as many trees as possible along the way.
Our team broke into two groups of two. Each team gets a crosscut saw, since power tools are not allowed in designated wilderness areas. We cut by hand, which is an immensely athletic activity. The insecure part of me doesn’t want to be paired with my ultra-runner coworker. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up, my doubts in my head tell me maybe I won’t be strong enough. So, I began the day by telling him my wrist felt funny from yesterday’s work. His reply is generous, kind, and earnest. I feel silly for thinking there were any negative feelings, especially after so many months of working together.
My hand inches toward the Nature Valley bar in my pocket. Snacks always breach their prescribed hour. I think of the Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers who cross our path daily, with their own snacks stuffed in their ultralight packs, travelling thousands of miles. If these trekkers reach Desolation Wilderness, it means they are more than halfway through their journey. I can tell who they are, separate them from weekend hikers, even from TRT thru-hikers. Their tanned calves are a dead giveaway. Their seasoned look, and their determination sometimes makes me feel stagnant in their wake. But without us, I guess there would be no trail. Some stop and say things like, “Thank you for your service!” I say a nodding “Thank you” back because without them, there would be no need for us.
Our team converges for lunch in a forest that is more horizontal than vertical, with fallen trees crisscrossing and tangling each other. There must be at least 6 fully grown pines which have fallen, some crossing the trail. A wellestablished social trail navigates the mess, showing the path of logic for both humans and animals alike. While I eat my couscous, I almost feel bad plotting how to dismantle this display of nature’s force; it is beautiful and humbling. But without our work here and throughout the trail, social trails would take over. Our crew leader says, “we don’t build trails for humans, we build them for nature.” Humans will find their way across a mountain just fine without trails, but the environment might not be able to handle the endless tangle of expedition routes. It needs one. We sacrifice a segment of nature to protect the whole. Plus, planned trails like the TRT must meet environmental standards and make considerations for things like local species and water flow. Social trails do not.
Nature is powerful. After lunch, the crew successfully bucks and moves trees to uncover the hidden trail.
We continue on, losing count of the trees we’ve cut. Our group of four reconvenes and considers when we should call it a day and head back to camp. We allot an hour and a half for our five-mile journey to our temporary outdoor home. We have time, we think, for one more tree. The one we decide on is a behemoth. It’ll take all four of us hacking away to clear it, but it won’t take more than an hour.
More than one hour passes, we chuckle through our doom. The tree was greater than a behemoth. It was laid by Zeus himself. Its limbs are as wide as aspen trees, sticking up from every available spot on the fallen giant. In order to make any headway, we have to remove them before we can cut the trunk. We take the handsaw to the stubborn limbs, then the ax, and finally the crosscut saw. Clearing away as much debris as we can, the crew takes a rest before we start the trunk cuts. We sit silent to capture our breath. The teams of two ready their saws, and we all start cutting at the same time. The sun is beating down on my side of the tree as the saw teeth biting into the tree with each heave and hoe. I feel like a lumberjack plucked from a black and white photo until the tiresome work starts to show itself on the faces of the crew. I ask for a break, though I do not want to. My teammate switches sides so I can continue under shade. He notices a difference in the work on the uphill side; he asks if I am pushing against his efforts. I am not, which means my previous position was a bit more involved than the opposing side. My insecurities relax: we may be fighting different battles even while cutting the same tree. I tell myself to let go of the comparison. That weekend, I will only think of how capable and strong I felt logging during this week.
The tree is cut. We gather to move its pieces away from the trail. This final part is agonizing. I want to knock the whole thing over and look at the satisfying emptiness in its wake. We talk about the safest way to move it, the most efficient way. We talk, we stare. The TRTA encourages trail work to be three things: fun, safe, and productive. But mainly fun and safe. This is why we take our time; reckless actions do not win. I fantasize about pouring water on my head while my teammates devise a plan. We place our hands on the loose round and position ourselves like sprinters readying for takeoff. Three. Two. One. PUSH. Relief, joy. We’re done! As we walk back to camp, there is an easy lightheartedness between us. We play guessing games, recite riddles. The banter and wit of the crew makes the journey fast. I am grateful for my team.
Tonight is our crew leader’s birthday. He brought lemon cake to share. We gather around, singing happy birthday, holding out the flame of a lighter for him to blow out. We laugh about how terrible the green curry dehydrated meal is. It tastes like soap—thank goodness for cake. A game of chess starts. The air cools. The granite behind Middle Velma turns blue, then purple as the sun fades. I’ve never worked a job that makes me feel so whole. I decide despite the cold mornings, perpetual stench, and insecurities that I am exactly where I want to be.
Was there a particular time you gave back to the trail you love? When did you last clear a path for others to follow? This work never ends, and we cannot do it alone. Tell us your story, or join us to be a part of something bigger. We’ll help you find your behemoth to conquer, like Helena did this trail season!
Ageless in the Outdoors Ten Mile Tim
Ten Mile Tim Ageless in the Outdoors
“This year a lot of people just asked, ‘how old are you?’ rather than sneaking around and trying to figure it out,” Tim Rondthaler Sr. told me with a charming, aged laugh.
At the age of 83, this year marked Tim’s fourth thru-hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail. I first read Tim’s story when nearly 30 individuals donated to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in support of his thru-hiking goal. Tim raised over $1200 in the month of August to help the TRTA achieve the mission of inspiring stewards
by Brooke Clayton Development Manager
and preserving the trail. This outpouring of generosity came during Raise the Rim, a peer-topeer fundraiser for the TRTA—an event similar to a 5k or marathon fundraiser, except everyone gets on the trail at their leisure rather than during one big event. Some of Tim’s donations came from people that he didn’t even know, or that he’d briefly met in passing on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Two new inductees to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s 165-Mile Club shared that they had met him during their own thru-hike, one of them saying that the encounter was “truly inspiring.”
Outdoor recreation can often feel driven by the mission to achieve the next great objective. Even the annual Raise the Rim event is competitive: participants receive prizes in different categories like the most miles hiked, most miles biked, most dollars raised, and most individual donors.
Tim ended up leaving the trail after three weeks and 148 miles this year, but the support that poured into his campaign and the people that he inspired served as a reminder that how we recreate, what memories we take home, and who we inspire are just as important as where we start and end.
When Tim refused his Raise the Rim prize for the most individual donors—a two-person, ultralight backpacking tent—I felt that he had a strong grasp on the true importance and impact of outdoor recreation, and I wanted to learn more about him.
Much like the people that he encountered on the trail, I couldn’t help but start with the most basic question: how old are you?
“The first time [I did the TRT] I was 77. Then I did it when I was 78. Then 81. Then this year, 83,” he said matter-of-factly.
The next obvious question: how?
Tim’s answer comes down to taking his time and traveling light. Like, really light.
“I’m pretty much ultralight, about a 10 lb. base weight plus the canister,” he said. “I’m cowboy camping. I’ve got a tarp, which is about 5.5 ounces, and I never used it on this last trip, never even put it up...You lay there and watch the stars come out, and it’s just glorious.”
“I use all freeze-dried food so I can make it light,” he went on. “I can get 143 calories an ounce in freeze-dried food and pack it in that canister and have food for 12 days. I didn’t miss the stove at all! I make my coffee the night before and I just shake it up…it’s cold in the morning, but it’s right there. I mean, can it get any better than that?”
I think many people would argue that yes, it can get better, with hot coffee—but I digress. I knew that there was more to that “how” than just the technical concerns. The bigger how at stake has to do with desire to be out there in the first place. How do we learn to love nature, and when?
I’m not the only one considering these questions. Increasing research has been conducted to learn more about when and how people develop a connection with nature, with the leading theory posing that the strongest connections form as children. A 2024 research study published by the American College of Preventative Medicine examined the influence of different kinds of nature experiences in youth and found that experiences in wild versus domestic nature have a stronger capacity to predict the amount of time they will spend in nature as an adult. Researchers
cite immersive wilderness experiences such as camping, hiking, and fishing; and I heard their findings echoed in Tim’s story.
Tim grew up in Croton, New York, on the shore of the Hudson River. His dad commuted to New York City each day for work. Yet even in a place many consider an antithesis to nature, Tim spent as much time as possible outside, and the influence was profound.
“Even though we were close to such a big city, I grew up in a beautiful environment for the outdoors, and my parents were very anxious for me to be a part of that. I learned to swim when I was an infant, and they just let me go wild,” he said. “And I did.”
“I would climb trees to the very top and I’ve done all kinds of adventures. I’ve paddled around Manhattan Island in a canoe, I’ve paddled down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson…I ran one marathon— that was too long for me, but I did it once anyway.”
Tim explained that growing up outside was a “tremendous advantage.”
“I’m just so grateful for my parents for doing that, and I’ve done that with my children,” he told me.
In fact, Tim’s daughter was the first person
to introduce him to backpacking. She asked him to join her on a section of the PCT around 2006. “Of course, I’m a sucker for that,” Tim told me. “Anything she says.”
“I left with probably an 80 lb. pack or something,” he laughed, “and we did it from I guess Carson to Route 80—that’s probably 80 or 100 miles or something on the PCT…and it was the most wonderful holiday that I could have ever had. It was just…oh, it was just delightful.” Among adventures in Emigrant Wilderness and another couple hundred miles of the PCT over the years, Tim found himself returning to the Tahoe Rim Trail and to his first memories of backpacking with his daughter.
“As I hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail, a lot of that is the same. Dicks Lake, Showers Lake— the place where she and I camped, all these memories, it’s just so fun to think of that.” Tim had returned to the TRT later in life for an approachable yet rewarding thru-hike, attracted by the fact that it forms a loop.
“You get to look across the lake at where you started. I mean there’s no thru-hike that you get to do that on,” he said. “In this hike, you get to look where you’ve been. It’s a wonderful joy to do that.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the metaphor that
Tim himself had created between the TRT and the story that he was sharing with me: a sort of love story with the outdoors. I could see themes of continuity in both: the knowledge that we all have to start somewhere and that it can be good to reflect on how far we’ve come while supporting those who may be just beginning. Tim continued to create his own circular narrative as he described a particularly special backpacking trip he took a couple of years ago, with his one-year-old grandson, Canyon.
“The joy of backpacking with my grandson at 1 year old was just unbelievable,” he said. “I am so lucky. I mean I was 81, and he was 1.”
When Tim told the TRTA that he didn’t want to collect his Raise the Rim prize, he asked that we find someone who really needed it; a kid, maybe, he suggested, one who couldn’t afford it otherwise. His enthusiasm for welcoming youth into the outdoors was also apparent when I asked about memorable interactions he had on the trail this year.
“Mostly I try to offer encouragement,” he said. “I like to acknowledge the children. I’ll mention how great it is that they’re carrying a pack, or you know, find some way to praise them and their parents for doing it. That kid
will have that joy for his whole life,” Tim said.
“I just know it.”
At the TRTA, we have the privilege of also knowing just how right Tim is. The accomplishment of hiking, especially with a pack on, can give a child more confidence than they’ve ever experienced; and the serenity of nature is harder than ever for kids to find in a fast-paced, screen-dependent world.
One newly anointed member of the TRTA’s 165 Mile Club thru-hiked the trail with his mom this year at 12-years-old. Recently, she called the office to tell us that her son brought his 165-Mile certificate to school to show all of his friends and tell them about his journey.
“This was a life-changing experience for us,” she said.
The same stories emerge each year from the TRTA’s Youth Backcountry Camp (YBCC) program, which brings regional teens on four-day backpacking trips, many for the first time. One 14-year-old camper from 2024 shared, “I cannot imagine my life without this experience.” She said, “Nature is a place where I want to spend my life with friends.”
When you see an older face on the trail, wrinkles set by hundreds of sunny days, muscles sinewy with the obstacles they’ve
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE GRANTORS THAT SUPPORTED TRTA PROJECTS IN 2024, INCLUDING:
California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Fund, NV State Parks, Jack Van Sickle Foundation, Latrobe Fund, Lana Vento Charitable Trust, William H. Moffat Jr Foundation, American Trails, United States Forest Service, Joseph & Vera Long Foundation, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Athletic Brewing, Vail Resorts Epic Promise, NV Energy Foundation, Caesars Foundation, Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation, Reddere Foundation, Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation, OK To Be Different Foundation, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, and the Martis Fund (a collaborative project of Martis Camp landowners, DMB/Highlands Group (the developers of Martis Camp), Mountain Area Preservation Foundation (MAP) and Sierra Watch).
overcome, you get a glimpse at something timeless: that same desire, fulfilled.
Tim knows better than anyone just how lucky he is to have loved the outdoors all of his life. And even when he’s set out alone, he’s managed to find friends along the way: like the PCT hikers who first gave Tim his trail name, years ago.
“One evening I was eating with a bunch of these thru-hikers who go forty miles a day or some damn thing,” he laughed, “and they were having fun with me.”
“They’d ask me about where I camped and what I did and they’d say, ‘oh, you know that’s about ten miles’ and ‘oh, that’s about ten miles,’—‘you’re Ten Mile Tim!’ they said,” he laughed again. “So, that became my trail name a long time ago.”
Ten miles per day was Tim’s average pace the last time he did the Tahoe Rim Trail. But in 2024, he admits, “I was more like Eight Mile Tim.”
Yet if anything, his decision to leave the trail early this year has only inspired Tim more. Before any dejection could creep into his voice, he trailed off with a pause, then spoke with new conviction, ending our conversation with the assertion: “I think maybe next year I can do better.”
Left: Tim Rondthaler with his daughter Katharine and his grandson Canyon. Below: Tim’s camp set up.
World CHANGE THE Teaming Up to
“There was no option but to continue through challenges, which they met with increasing tenacity, pushing past their preconceived limitations.”
—Alisa Bean, Registered Dietician and Program Coordinator speaking on the Nevada Urban Indians youth backcountry trip experience.
by Emily Dawes
The TRTA Youth Backcountry Camp Program (YBCC) has inspired countless children from all walks of life to feel comfortable outdoors, and it could not be this amazing program without our program partners. We have the honor to team up with many wonderful organizations that share a mission of improving youth’s lives through outdoor experiences. This year, I am excited to highlight our partnership with Nevada Urban Indians (NVUI).
Founded in 1995, NVUI is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of American Indians and Alaskan Natives, as well as other underserved members of the Reno community. We at the TRTA happily bring their youth with us into the forests of Tahoe to discover more about themselves, and about the beautiful landscapes they travel through.
The NVUI’s mission states: “to enhance the well-being of American Indians and Alaskan Natives and other under-served members of the community through health care, social services, cultural awareness, and education.”
With a commitment to providing holistic support, NVUI ensures that individuals have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Over the summer, NVUI joined the TRTA on an exciting four-day, three-night outdoor adventure into the backcountry. This backcountry trip hosted 11 youth, two NVUI
chaperones, Steve Hedrick and Alisa Bean, along with two TRTA Instructors. Steve and Alisa were instrumental in guiding the youth, sharing their insights on both outdoor skills and providing a support system for youth. Their involvement reflects NVUI’s dedication not only to health and wellness but also to fostering cultural identity among the youth they serve.
This trip was particularly impactful as it focused on diabetes awareness, a critical health issue within many Native communities. By emphasizing the importance of physical activity, the program aimed to educate the participants on how engaging with nature can lead to healthier lifestyle choices. The journey set out from the Big Meadow Trailhead, taking the group through the breathtaking landscapes of Round and Dardanelles Lake. The group circumnavigated Dardanelles Lake, swam in its waters, and witnessed a bald eagle soar overhead.
In a reflection written by Alisa Bean on the group’s experience, the youth expressed feeling “spiritual peace and calmness” while walking among the pines. Many spoke on their newfound competency in wilderness and life skills. They learned about the interconnectedness of nature and wellbeing, as well as practical skills like setting up camp, navigating trails, and preparing meals outdoors. The TRTA Instructors looked back on the trip, stating it was “truly challenging but impactful.”
As many of us are familiar with the benefits of backpacking, it is always a joy to experience it through new eyes. Although it poses a physical challenge, youth report emerging from the backcountry with a profound sense of accomplishment. The experience is not just about the hike; it is about personal growth and empowerment. It’s extremely
rewarding to equip youth with the skills they need to embark on a backcountry adventure while instilling confidence in their abilities. Carrying everything they need on their backs is no easy feat, but it teaches resilience and independence.
This collaboration with NVUI highlights the importance of community partnerships in promoting youth engagement in outdoor activities. By working together, we are not only providing a memorable experience but also addressing broader issues such as health disparities and cultural disconnection. Through these shared adventures, we cultivate a greater appreciation for the outdoors while nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our youth.
This partnership between the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and Nevada Urban Indians exemplifies how outdoor experiences can transform lives. By providing youth with the tools to navigate both the trails and their personal challenges, we help create a foundation for healthier futures. As we continue to explore the physical health benefits of backpacking, we remain committed to empowering our youth through every step of their journey in the great outdoors. Together, we are not only fostering a love for nature but also building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires the next generation.
We would like to thank our grantors for the continued support of our Youth Backcountry Camp Program that provided the opportunity to offer over 50% of trips at no cost to participants including the Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation, Tahoe Fund, Joseph and Vera Long Foundation, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, OK To Be Different, Vail Resorts Epic Promise Foundation, Lana Vento Charitable Trust, California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada State Parks Recreational Trails Program.
Photos taken on the July youth backpacking trip to Dardanelles Lake.
Views we love
Adopted by Karen Stubkjaer
Karen Stubkjaer’s connection to the Tahoe Rim Trail and Incline Village is deeply personal. “Forty-five years ago, my father bought some property in Incline Village, Nevada,” she recalled, marking the start of her family’s Lake Tahoe journey. The area quickly became a place full of family adventures.
In 2003, Karen and her brother completed their first Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike. Their parents acted as trail angels, meeting them at every junction with sandwiches and cold Snapple iced teas. “They met us at the finish line with balloons!” Karen fondly remembered. “They were so proud.”
Her father’s adventurous spirit was inspiring. Even after a knee replacement at 75, he was thrilled to hike with them up to Relay Peak. “He was overjoyed,” Karen said. Her mother also loved hiking and frequently trekked the hills behind their property.
In 2022, after her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Karen hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail again in his honor. “He loved the mountains
and being in Tahoe with family.” Following his passing in May 2024, Karen and her husband decided to adopt a vista-point overlooking Incline Village in honor of her parents.
“We wanted him to always look over this beautiful view,” Karen said.
Her mother was thrilled with the tribute. “My mom is overjoyed to have a view of their own.” Karen summarized her family’s bond with the area: “Lake Tahoe is family, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
Henderson Family Skyland Vista
Adopted by Alex and Katherine Henderson
Katherine and Alex Henderson adopted Henderson Family Skyland Vista due to their love of hiking the TRT and the fact that this vista looks down at their home in the Skyland neighborhood of Tahoe. The Hendersons often hike the TRT with their two Australian Shepherds Nola and Aspen, who adopted another Vista last summer on the way to Dardanelles Lake named Nola and Aspen’s Happy Place. The TRT is the family’s happy place and they feel very fortunate to have such wonderful trails a quick car ride away.
Individuals, families, and organizations can help to ensure the continuing legacy of the Tahoe Rim Trail by adopting their own vista or mile! Donors have the opportunity to be a steward of the trail by giving back to something they love—the trail and the Lake Tahoe Basin. Here are this season’s adopted vista and their special dedications. If you are interested in learning more about this program, email Veronica Palmer, veronicap@tahoerimtrail.org or visit tahoerimtrail.org/adopt-vista-adopt-mile/.
Jim and Judy Stubchaer Family Vista
TRAIL BLAZING CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Finish the Crossword?
Send a picture of your completed puzzle to info@tahoerimtrail.org and receive a 15% discount code for Tahoe Rim Trail merchandise.
TRTA EVENTS
Business Members
TRTA Business Members are essential partners that help us fulfill our mission. These partners help ensure the Tahoe Rim Trail remains just as phenomenal in the future as it is today and help us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. For more information on becoming a Business Member, contact Veronica at veronicap@tahoerimtrail.org
3. Fuzzy mountain animal close to water
5. Bounces off walls & the name of a TRT trailhead
8. Communication tool, and the 2003 film with Cuba Gooding Jr.
10. The number of species of weasel in Tahoe
11. Method of making safe drinking water
12. Second word of the name where Lovers climb
15. One wheel & two handles to lighten the load
16. Number of pine needles in each bundle of a Jeffrey pine
1. A terrified aspen
2. Flatbed city
4. Add a singular horn to this to make it magical
6. The atmosphere around us is mainly made of this
7. Tahoe’s new hockey team, Knight ___
9. Apparently it’s called poop when humans do it, but a bear?
12. Reclusive mountain feline
13. A small mole-like mammal with a pointy nose
14. Backpackers that carry very little, and are comfortable very little
December 31: TRTA Year-End Fundraiser Deadline
January 15: TRT BINGO, South Lake Brewing
February 2: Castle Rock Snowshoe Hike
February 13: Full Moon Sweetheart Hike
February 26: Thru Hike Registration opens, 10 am
March 7–8: Snowcamping 101—overnight
March 12: Segment Hike Registration opens, 10 am
March 26: TOT Registration opens, 10 am
Find out more on our website’s calendar! tahoerimtrail.org/events-calendar
We are raising $90,000 by the end of the year to fund our work on the trail and in our communities, and to help us plan some exciting, longterm projects.
The first $25,000 will be MATCHED dollar for dollar!
Tahoe Rim Trail Association